New Ways to Office

Most companies already understand how the Internet helps them work more efficiently. Adding mobility takes the right mix of hardware, software and know-how.

The next major trend in wireless technology will be marked by historical collaborations between the industry's heavyweight players. That's because wireless data requires a full-service, end-to-end solution that begins on internal networks and ends with real-time delivery of information to mobile devices at any location. As the various devices, technology and applications come together to build solutions, so, too, must the companies that provide them.

One example is an agreement between Microsoft and British Telecom (BT) to develop Internet, intranet and corporate data services for a worldwide base of mobile customers. The solution will provide a competitive advantage that should be a big hit with corporate players. "Microsoft's platforms and services, combined with BT's mobile networks, will enable users to access rich, interactive information any time, any place and on any device," said Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman.

Another is AT&T Wireless, which uses the WirelessKnowledge Workstyle Server for its PocketNet wireless-data service.

"We are pleased to work with carriers like AT&T to broadly launch the Workstyle Server product, to drive the adoption of wireless data and create the mobile work-style for business users," said Eric Schultz, WirelessKnowledge chairman & CEO.

Working Smarter
Today's alphanumeric pagers and wireless phones often are called "dumb devices" because they're limited to sending and receiving short messages. Browse functionality, which allows users to access up-to-date information when they want it, combined with push services ensures that information is always at your fingertips. Browse is one example of a feature that differentiates wireless-data applications.

By using standard Internet programming languages, such as HDML, HTML, XML, and WAP's WML, developers can write wireless-data applications and Internet content that increases their reach to the consumer or corporate user. Companies such as WirelessKnowledge and online services such as MSN Mobile use these languages to interface their services with browse-capable devices.

Wireless' most advanced devices, known as "smart devices," challenge the industry to develop highly functional applications and quality delivery. Smart devices include laptops and portable, Palm-type devices, and are defined by their ability to support one or more of the following: a Web browser, inbox, contacts, calendar and task lists. Smart-device technology allows the highest level of wireless-data application functionality as the industry looks to move workers' virtual offices with them everywhere they go.

Wireless-data applications are sure to grow as word spreads of the competitive advantage they offer. Applications today offer many features and functions that mobile users want to access on their mobile devices. One example is Microsoft's Exchange Server, which provides corporate e-mail, calendar, tasks and contacts. Microsoft is working to provide a set of server extensions that will enable applications such as Exchange to support a broad range of wireless devices and networks, and allow mobile users to retrieve and work securely with their enterprise data anytime with a broad array of devices.

For wireless-service providers, using a data/applications platform provides a way to move up the value chain and avoid being viewed as a commoditized pipe. For corporations, these extensions provide an integrated platform that lets them make mobile devices a part of their workflow and productivity.

With Microsoft's Internet Cellular Smart Access (ICSA) system, the wireless-service provider can host a mobile-data service platform. By using 2-way short-message service as the message transport, the service supplies mobile users with optimized e-mail through their wireless phones. Users can create, send and receive e-mail at a personalized mobile-e-mail address via their wireless phones without connecting to any other device. Because the mail system uses SMTP/POP3 services, a Web e-mail interface lets users access their e-mail on a PC, kiosk or portable computing device using a standard Internet browser.

Security is Key
As corporate data travels to remote locations through wireless devices, mobile workers' chief concern is security. Vendors and service providers that team to offer a comprehensive wireless-data solution must ensure that security is guaranteed every step of the way.

Each solution's needs are unique and stem from the combination of hardware and software used. Several security approaches are becoming standard for each piece of the wireless-data puzzle:

• SSL security, commonly used for Internet transactions, encrypts information and provides for HTTPS. The HTTPS URL prefix is used for SSL-enabled Web sites, a clear sign to users that security is in place.

• Firewalls and screening routers are used by ISPs to protect their internal networks.

• CDMA, CDPD, GSM and TDMA each has its own security measures, including voice-privacy masks and spreading codes.

• User and password authentication and certificate authentication ensure data integrity and are common elements in wireless-data-software security.

The collaboration between AT&T Wireless and WirelessKnowledge, a Microsoft/Qualcomm joint venture, is one example of the relationships that will be the norm. These companies' records of success have corporate America's attention, and AT&T Wireless already has signed up several corporations for its PocketNet wireless-data service.

AT&T Wireless uses the WirelessKnowledge Workstyle Server, which works with Microsoft Exchange version 5.5 to deliver e-mail, calendar, contacts and other information from users' desktops to smart wireless devices. The delivery is secure, and information arrives in real time, so mobile workers can respond to information quickly.

Although wireless data might be slow in catching on, corporations are opening their minds to its possibilities, including the potential for added return on investment, market leverage, and increased efficiency and service. The combination of affordable wireless devices, in-depth security and highly functional wireless-data applications promises to grow today's wireless industry rapidly into all the corners currently accessed by desktops and fixed access.

Guzman (jeffguz@microsoft.com) is a Microsoft program manager for wireless technology in the Network Solutions Group.